Shivagange is a mountain peak with a height of 1300 metres and Hindu pilgrimage center located near Dobbaspet, in Bengaluru Rural districtIndia. It is situated 19 km from the town of Tumakuru and 54 km from Bengaluru. The sacred mountain is shaped as a shivalinga and a spring flows near locally called "Ganga", thereby giving the place its name. It is also known as Dakshina Kashi and has various temples such as Gangadhareshwara temple, Sri Honnammadevi Temple, Olakal Teertha, Nandi Statue, Patalagang Sharadambe temple and several theerthas such as Agasthya theertha, Kanva theertha, Kapila theertha, Pathala Gange Sri Honnammadevi Temple is inside the cave. Sri Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple is also inside the cave. Gavi means Cave, Gangadhareshwara means Parameshwara having Gange on the top. Every January, on the day of Sankranthi festival, the marriage function of Sri Gangadhareshwara and Sri Honnammadevi is conducted. At that time it is claimed Ganga holy water comes from the rock at the top of hill and that holy water is used to solemnise the dhare ritual of the marriage function.
History
This location was originally under the control of Hoysala kings and the queen Shanthala, wife of Vishnuvardhana, who committed suicide as she did not give birth to a son. The hill was fortified during the 16th century by Shivappa Nayaka. These fortifications currently lie in ruins. The founder of Bengaluru, Magadi Kempegowda, also made improvements to the fortifications and kept a portion of his treasure within it. A month-long cattle fair is held during Sankranthi month every year, which is a market place for bullocks..
Beliefs surrounding the Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple in Bengaluru
Followers believe an interesting miracle happens when abhisheka is performed on Shivalinga with ghee, the ghee turning to butter.It is claimed that this ghee has medicinal powers and can cure many ailments. According to legend there exists a secret tunnel that extends from the sanctum sanctorum of this temple to the Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple in Bengaluru, around 50 kilometers away.
River Kumudvathi
River Kumudvathi has its origin in the Shivagange hills and it is a tributary of river Arkavati. The Kumudvathi river flows across 278 villages covering 460 km2 encompassing major part of Nelamangala Taluk, Bengaluru Rural District and parts of Magadi Taluk, Ramanagra District. Due to various factors like deforestation, unsustainable extraction of ground water, soil erosion, encroachments and eucalyptus plantations the river has dwindled in size. This has resulting in serious water crisis for drinking and agriculture in all the villages under the river basin. However, projects and efforts are underway to revive the river.
Trekking
The area is a popular site for rock climbing in the Karnataka state. The entire trail to the peak is well marked and the presence of man-made steps makes the trail suitable for beginners. There are frequent rest opportunities with stalls serving food and drinks. The trekking path to reach summit from foothills is of 2.3 km in a pre-defined path. The trail becomes steep and narrow near the summit of the mountain - safety rails are provided in such areas. Monkeys are the main fauna inhabiting the hill.
